Priority categories for places in University operated accommodation

Aberystwyth University has one of the highest ratios of accommodation places/ students in the UK, but it is not always feasible to place every student who wishes to be accommodated in University‐operated accommodation. The following priority categories are designed to ensure the operation of a consistent and fair lettings policy. It should be noted that this document refers to students registered with Aberystwyth University and applies to any current or prospective student making an application for accommodation at Aberystwyth University whether covered by the accommodation guarantee or not.

Applications for University‐operated accommodation must be received within the published application deadline dates in the year of entry, which can be found in Dates for your Diary.

To qualify for a guaranteed place applicants must ensure that their accommodation application is received by the published deadline dates in the year of entry and that they respond to the offer of accommodation by the deadline date detailed in the Accommodation Offer. Please note that a place in University owned or managed accommodation is guaranteed, but not a specific type of room or location.

The following categories of students are guaranteed a place for each academic session for the duration of the taught element of their studies

Overseas fee‐paying students (Undergraduate and Postgraduate).

Holders of Entrance Scholarships and Sports Bursaries.

Students who have been in the care of a Local Authority at the age of 16 and/or immediately prior to starting at Aberystwyth University.

Please note that Accommodation Licence Periods apply.

The following categories of students are guaranteed a place for the academic session of the first year of their taught course at Aberystwyth

New full‐time Undergraduate students, paying UK/EU tuition fees, who are pursuing schemes of study leading to University awards. Firm choice students will be allocated to rooms as a priority over insurance choice students.

New full-time Undergraduate students, paying UK/EU tuition fees, who will be joining Aberystwyth through Clearing or Adjustment.

New Postgraduate students paying UK/EU tuition fees.

Exchange students where Aberystwyth is contracted to provide residential accommodation in exchange for Aberystwyth students accommodated by their host University.

Visiting students who are not pursuing schemes of study leading to Aberystwyth University awards and pay the appropriate tuition fees ( on a pro rata basis as appropriate).

Students returning from a temporary withdrawal/leave of absence to recommence their first year of study.

Please note that Accommodation Licence Periods apply.

The following category of student is guaranteed a place for the academic session immediately following their return to Aberystwyth

Full‐time Students undertaking an approved sandwich year, or compulsory year abroad or taking part in the optional Year in Employment Scheme (YES) who are required to reside away from Aberystwyth area.

Please note that Accommodation Licence Periods apply.

The following categories of students are not guaranteed accommodation and will be offered accommodation only if spaces are available

Erasmus/Socrates students.

Students who commence their studies in the second semester.

Students who require accommodation for the first semester only.

Part‐time Aberystwyth University registered students.

Current students paying UK/EU tuition fees.

Undergraduate students entering their final year of study and any returning Postgraduate students may be given priority consideration, on a first come first served basis, for accommodation subject to availability.

Allocation of accommodation

Current Students – accommodation is allocated by a computerised system on a first come first served basis in date and time order of the applicant successfully submitting their online accommodation application form.

New Students– accommodation is allocated by a computerised system on a first come first served basis in date and time order of the applicant successfully submitting their online accommodation application form. Accommodation offers will be sent on a daily basis as applicants fulfil the terms of their offer, in priority order as detailed above.

Allocation of rooms

We will allocate you a place in residences, taking into account your preferences as indicated on your application for accommodation, and will try to offer you one of your higher preferences. However, because the residences vary in the numbers of students they accommodate and some are more popular than others, obtaining your higher preferences cannot be guaranteed. If there is not a vacancy in your first preference of residence, we will consider all your other choices in priority order until a vacancy can be located. If one of your preferred residences is not available we will make you what we consider a suitable alternative offer.

It is our policy to house students in mixed flats in terms of gender/nationality wherever possible. If you would like to request that you are placed in a male or female only flat/house, please indicate this on your application for accommodation and we will endeavour to meet this request subject to availability.

We normally allocate separate blocks of residences to Undergraduates (including 1st year, Current, Study Abroad or Erasmus students) and Postgraduates. However, this may not always be possible especially if the number of one group is higher than anticipated.

Students with specific requirements

Efforts will be made to accommodate students with specific requirements in suitable accommodation, on an individual basis, irrespective of their position in the categories above.